P731: Lab on a plate: The 24-well microplate in the biochemistry laboratory

Author: Kyle R. Willian, Auburn University, USA

Co-Author: Sarah Kokotoff, Auburn University, USA

Date: 8/6/14

Time: 10:15 AM – 10:35 AM

Room: LOH 174

Related Symposium: S54

Though using a microplate reader in a biochemistry laboratory class is not a novel idea, they are still not as commonplace as basic UV-Vis spectrophotometers. Many experiments are designed around the use of UV-Vis spectrophotometers, and can easily be adapted to a microplate format. The advantages to using a microplate reader include experiments with more variables, reduction in the use of reagents and thus waste, and potentially lower cost overall. The greatest advantage is the reduction in time spent on data collection such that more of the class period may be spent on analysis. Further, more involved experiments such as bisubstrate kinetic analyses can be accomplished in a short period of time. Examples of experiments utilizing a 24-well microplate format will be presented, along with a brief discussion of the time and potential money saving aspects of the procedures.